From Bill and Amy at The Seen Gallery…

The Public Art Bicycle Safari is beginning it’s second year. This morning, bike riders began at The Seen Gallery to explore some of the oldest neighborhoods in Decatur and Atlanta and discover wall murals, sculpture and art parks. The Seen Gallery, now located in downtown Decatur, is once again hosting the start and finish of the ride. Beginning at 9:00 am, riders were invited to view the Seen Gallery art exhibit, have some coffee and Danish, and enjoy the new gallery space. Java Monkey, new fence and all, gave the riders an extra boost with $1.00 coffee for the Safariers (is that a word?). The course is 20 miles long with moderate hills and lots of stops to view the public art. The course is never far from a MARTA train station. The Next planned ride is May 31, starting in the morning from the Gallery.

I’m giving this comment its own thread because it’s a great example of the ongoing balancing act required to create and manage a successful city.

Sab writes in…

I wish I could like Leon’s. Unfortunately, I live across from it. Not that long ago, I enjoyed sipping tea on my balcony as the sun set over downtown, and falling asleep with cool breeze in from the open windows. Then Leon’s.

Now, I listen to drunk and exceptionally loud people whistle, scream, and cheer every time they throw a ball at that outside game. I’m sure it’s fun, and it looks like a hip, interesting place. But it is SOOOO loud, and it’s open until 1am every single weeknight. I try and try to just ignore it, and tell myself I should just get used to the sounds of people having a good time. But while loud conversation from an outside-seating restaurant can fade into background noise, the sudden screams and hoots from the game played outside are too sporadic. It’s like having a sporting event with drunk college kids going on outside your bedroom window every single night until 1. I had to buy earplugs, and I am not exaggerating when I say it might just cause me to move.

Only in Decatur.  Where else in Georgia are people being kept up at night by drunken bocce players?!

Ultimately I think its in Sab’s best interest to talk with the owners or if he/she wants, the city, about this issue. I may be wrong, but I think this issue is easily resolved.  The folks at Leon’s could just take the bocce balls in at 10pm.  Its not like people come to Leon’s purely for some late night bocce action.

Next Stop has some photos sent in by artist, and owner of Rose Squared Gallery and Framing on Clairemont, JD Issacs, who recently completed a commission for Parker’s on Ponce.

As Dennis at Next Stop says, its nice to see Parker’s keeping it “in the family!”